A small but high-quality offering of Charolais bulls saw a top bid of 5,800gns in Welshpool on Thursday 8 February, at the breed’s official spring sale, where 16 bulls sold to an average of £3622.50 and an improvement of 8% on last year’s clearance rate.

Leading the way at 5,800gns was Gareth Jones’ reserve champion from Cwmtirmynach, Bala. The May-2016 born Esgob Morgan who was snapped up by Edward Bros, Oswestry, Shropshire, is a son of Alwent Goldbar and the 26,000gns Carlisle junior champion Anside Excalibur daughter, Esgob Glain.

Esgob Morgan the reserve champion from Mr G M Jones sold for 5800 gns

Next in the trade stakes and purchased at 4,800gns by RW Owen, Garn Solbenmaen, Gwynedd for was Trefaldwyn Magnus, who had been tapped out second in his class at the pre-sale show for breeder and exhibitor Arwel Owen, Welshpool, Powys. The 17-month-old Magnus boosts an impressive pedigree, being sired by the 28,000gns Perth supreme champion Brampton Nacodar and out of the 11,000gns Royal Welsh Show female champion Trefaldwyn Fancygirl, a daughter of the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister.

Trefaldwyn Magnus sold for 4800 gns from Mr R A Owen

Just behind at 4,600gns was a yellow-ticket-winner from Mrs Ann Orr-Ewing, Purton, Wiltshire, the
Wesley Forceful son Foxacre Miletus. The May-2016 born Miletus is out of the Three Counties reserve junior heifer champion Foxacre Galante and goes home to work in Knighton, Powys for RP Morgan and Son.

Foxacre Miletus sold for 4600 gns from Mrs A Orr-Ewing

Two bulls sold for 4,500gns apiece and both were offered for sale by the aforementioned Arwel Owen. The first, Caenest Morgan who was bred by J and E Evans, Dryffryn Ardudwy, Gwynedd had also been awarded a yellow ticket at the pre-sale show. This 14-month-old who caught the eye of TT Jones and Co, Llanbrynmair, Powys, is by the proven high performing, short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger and out of Trefaldwyn Eternity who in-turn is sired by the 30,000gns Balmyle Bollinger.

Caenest Morgan sold for 4500 gns from Mr R A Owen

Minutes later Mr Owen’s secured another bid of 4,500gns, this time for the home-bred November-2016 born Trefaldwyn Max who is also sired by Blelack Digger. His dam is the Goldies Eddy daughter Trefaldwyn Ice and the NPTC Group, Newtown, Powys were his winning bidders.

Trefaldwyn Max sold for 4500 gns from Mr R A Owen

Next, the 22-month-old Montgomery Meic commanded a 3,500gns bid from Gipsy Hall Farms, Wilmcote, Warwickshire. Meic who stood third in his class in the morning’s show is sired by the 9,000gns Balmyle Harlequin, out of the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister daughter Montgomery Iarll and was bred and exhibited by Gareth Roberts and Jones, Welshpool, Powys.

The next highest priced at 3,200gns was Gwenog Musketeer, consigned by J S & P L Howells, Llanwenog, Dyfed. This August-2016 born son of the 12,000gns Royal Welsh supreme champion Thrunton Classic and the 18,000gns Derryharney Outstanding daughter Gwenog Trali went home with TA and ME Jones, Llanbrynmair, Powys.

A trio of bulls were knocked down at 3,000gns a piece, with the first coming from Highfields Park Farm, Withyham, Sussex. The 20-month-old, blue-ticket winning Chameran Marek who was purchased by WF Palmer and Sons, Truro, Cornwall, is sired by the 12,000gns Cumberland Show champion of champions Sandelford Harrison and out of Edenhurst Fleur – another Dingle Hofmeister daughter.

Matching the 3,000gns price tag was the September-2016 born Wissington Mickey. Mickey, an entry from Jenny and John Rix, Nayland, Essex who was exhibited by Darren Knox was purchased by DWR Reynolds and Son, Knighton, Powys, is by the aforementioned Blelack Digger and out of the home-bred Gretnahouse Ferdinand-sired Wissington Jolly.

Also hitting the 3,000gns price tag was Esmor Evans’ 14-month-old Maerdy Mario from Mold, Flintshire. Maerdy Gwlan is out of French-bred Begonia daughter Maerdy Poem and sired by the 10,000gns Stirling reserve senior champion Blelack Fabulous. The Williams’ of Holt, were the successful bidder and take him home to their Wrexham-based unit.

The only female of the sale was a 2-year-old entry from Mr R J Butler, Rudford, Gloucestershire. Commanding a bid of 2,100gns from C Wardle, Sandbach, Cheshire was the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman daughter Carrigbeg Ladyjane who sells served to Davally Illusion.

Averages: 16 bulls: £3,622.50; one heifer: £2,100
Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales
Show Judge: Peter Heath, Hartfield, east Sussex

First Prize Winners Charolais Welshpool February 8th 2018

Show Results
Class One – Bulls born on or between 03/03/2016 – 14/04/2016
1st – Ann Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Maecenas – s. Wesley Forceful
2nd – Ann Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Marcellus – s. Wesley Forceful
3rd – Roberts & Jones – Montgomery Meic – s. Balmyle Harlequin
Class Two – Bulls born on or between 03/05/2016 – 30/06/2016
1st – Gareth Jones – Esgob Morgan – s. Alwent Goldbar
2nd – Highfields Park Farm – Chameran Marek – s. Sandelford Harrison
3rd – Ann Orr-Ewing – Foxacre Miletus – s. Wesley Forceful

Class Three – Bulls born on or between 09/07/2016 – 15/09/2016
1st – Peter Howells – Pedr Mysterio – s. Newroddige Imp
2nd – Arwel Owen – Trefaldwyn Magnus – s. Brampton Nacodar
3rd – James & Belinda Kimber – Beanhill Major – s. Inverlochy Ferdie
Class Four – Bulls born on or after 02/10/2016
1st – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Murray – s. Blelack Fabulous
2nd – Esmor Evans – Maerdy Myrddin – s. Vald’or-ra
3rd – Arwel Owen – Caenest Morgan – s. Blelack Digger
Class Five – Females
1^st – Robert Butler – Carrigbeg Minty – s. Doonally Nicefor
2^nd – Robert Butler – Carrigbeg Ladyjane – s. Burradon Talisman

Champion
Esmor Evans – Maerdy Murray – s. Blelack Fabulous
Reserve Champion
Gareth Jones – Esgob Morgan – s. Alwent Goldbar

By David Mackenzie, Harbro

The press is full of debate about the challenges facing not only the UK as a whole post-Brexit, but specifically the challenges which may arise for UK agriculture once current trade agreements are changed. Without doubt this has the potential to cause great change – some say for the better, whist others fear agriculture could suffer without the EU support mechanisms and tariff protections.

The truth is that nobody knows what the outcome will be, and in the context of climate change and world population growth, perhaps Brexit will not even be the dominant force for change in the years ahead.

With this background how can beef producers possibly know the right way forward for their genetics?

The reality is that the choice of bull made today is a statement of the direction of that beef business for the next number of years. The type of genetics chosen today will in many cases be a key driver towards the sort of beef herd you have in 10 years’ time.

The three pillars of farm performance: Genetics, Nutrition, Management

Looking forward, the recurrent theme which seems to come through in all scenarios seems to be a drive towards greater technical efficiency. Whether it is from a reduction in post–Brexit support, reductions in tariffs which help restrict beef imports to the UK or long-term global demand for nutrients, all roads appear to lead to the conclusion that we need to ‘maximise outputs from given inputs’.

Genetics: Starting at the beginning of the supply chain the single most important factor that determines the profitability of the whole herd, is using the best available genetics. With less labour and time available Breeders are striving towards shorter calving periods and aiming towards more consistency in batch sizes at weaning. Responding to the requirements of the finisher, the aim is to achieve less days to market and more weight off farm at a younger age. With supply chains in many cases becoming more integrated, and with performance data being more readily available, the focus on genetics is going to be stronger than ever. And with farms becoming larger, understanding the role of genetics in whole-chain efficiency will become paramount.

Nutrition: It is absolutely clear that nutrition is key to achieving the potential of genetics. Exciting new science is demonstrating the opportunity to change the way genes are expressed through nutrition, and that this might even be possible before conception! There is clear opportunity for further useful research to be carried out in this area but we should be aware of the scope to improve current efficiency through improved feeding. One of the most striking recent examples has been the improved output of heifers by applying the correct balance of protein and starch at a young age. This has led to significant extra output and value from increased carcass weight.

In the past few years Harbro have worked with producers to improve health through nutrition and as a result we have developed a clear message of getting the rumen right is fundamental to overall health.

Management: The finishing landscape is changing. The pressures being placed on processors for a more efficient supply of uniform, quality product is resulting in much closer collaborations between the large finishers and abattoirs. With a greater focus on a more consistent supply of the appropriate animals, finishers themselves are looking to source more of the ideal animals for their system. These changes will inevitably drive a new focus on management which is likely to lead to more streamlined systems relying on detailed production data.

The beef industry may have much to learn in this regard from the unsubsidised pig and poultry industries which have driven output and efficiency in a large part through tackling variation in production. Eliminating the loss from ‘bottom-third’ performers is possibly the quickest way towards improving efficiency and profitability, and this is where many in the beef industry are focusing their attention.

The reality is that much of this variation can be tackled even before bulling by planning for a tight calving pattern. A more consistent group of calves makes management so much easier, and translates to an easier managed breeding herd as replacements come through. Proper pre-bulling nutrition, bull management and health surveillance set the best foundations for bulling success. Only bulling heifers over a six week period has ensured that only the most fertile animals are joining the herd and this has been a successful improvement to many breeders.

Harbro are investing heavily in supporting a profitable beef industry. We have developed a strategic partnership with Glasgow Vet School to take a lead on understanding the interaction between nutrition, rumen health and performance data. As profit drives our decisions the Charolais breed has always been recognised for delivering a fast growing efficient animal and this is why the breed was brought into the UK industry over 50 years ago and will have an even bigger role to play in the future.

Whilst challenges are undoubtedly ahead it is quite clear that the UK has the farmers, the genetics, the science and the management skills to compete. To do that, however, we need to plan and make the right decisions now.

Picture attached: Alan Meston, Stonehaven Aberdeenshire, a great example of a data driven Beef finisher which has put Charolais at the centre of his business strategy.

Flintshire Vet and renowned Charolais breeder Esmor Evans is delighted to announce that he has recently sold the 18-month-old, Charolais bull Maerdy Morwr from the farm gate for the impressive sum of £25,000. This is the thirteenth bull to have been sold for £25,000 or more from the Maerdy herd.

Maerdy Morwr is a son of the home-bred Maerdy Dynamite who has sired more than 170 offspring in Esmor’s Flintshire based herd since 2011. His dam Maerdy Fee is sired by the French-bred Victorieux who was imported by Mr Evans in 2006, who has eight bulls forward for the Stirling on the 20 February.

David Stubbs of AJR Farms purchased Morwr for his Ellon-based, 39 strong Newlogie Charolais herd. Mr Stubbs who is new to pedigree Charolais breeding, only joined the society in August of last year after purchasing the Logiestate herd of M Bruce and Partners. Maerdy Morwr, picked out by renowned stockmen Andrew & James Reid, is a very correct bull with tremendous presence and breed character who brings new bloodlines to the herd.

The farm is keen to expand their Charolais enterprise and more new additions have come in the way of the recent purchase of three animals from France, most notably Nobel, a young bull by 2016 Paris champion Hatenon. Picked from an impressive pen of calves, including a brother who won at Moulins 2017, Nobel is showing great potential and with his different breeding will undoubtedly have a big influence on the herd in the future.

Nobel

Charolais took the top price, made the highest average and sold the most bulls of all the breeds at this year’s spring sales, when commercial buyers drove the flying trade at Stirling on Tuesday 20 February. Bidding peaked at 46,000gns, 22 lots traded at five figure sums and 115 bulls sold to an average of £7,635 a whopping £1,514 increase on last year. Clearance rates were also up on the year by 6% to 88% for four more sold.

Commenting on the sale the BCCS chairman Chris Curry said, “Over the past twelve months the demand for Charolais bulls at society sales has increased dramatically, showcasing the resurgence of faith in the breed. There was no shortage of commercial traders in the market for a Charolais bull today and willing to pay top prices for them. For the first time we have seen a significant number of the five figure selling bulls finding commercial homes, driven no doubt by the fact that Charolais sired suckler calves are topping the markets on weight for age. The commercial marketplace is looking for a breed that will tick all of the boxes, finishing quicker with lower costs and greater profits.”

United Auctions cattle Auctioneer Murray Raine backed up the Chairman’s comments by saying “It was a pleasure to sell the Charolais today, the vibrant trade is a reflection of the demand for Charolais sired store cattle in the market presently and that’s why we have seen commercial buyers here today willing to pay up to 16,000gns for their choice of bull”.

Star attraction at the sale was David and Nick Walter’s supreme and senior champion Balthayock Minstrel. Sired by the Kirrimuir Show champion Balthayock Ferdinand and out of Barbican Lancer daughter Balthayock Gem, the May 2016-born Minstrel attracted a 46,000gns bid from Bill Bruce, Meigle, Perthshire, who shared the purchase with Neil Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire.

The top price and supreme and senior champion Balthayock Minstrel at 46,000gns

Breeder Major Walter is a stalwart of the breed who purchased his first Charolais bull 5,700gns at the very first public auction of Charolais cattle at the Royal showground in 1969. The pedigree herd now has over 110 breeding females with an additional 150 sucklers mainly served by homebred Charolais bulls whose progeny are sold as yearlings at Stirling. “I am delighted with the trade we have experienced today, not only for myself but for the breed as a whole. Since the introduction of the ABRI recording system we have been able to achieve a considerable improvement to the herd and place particular emphasis on calving ease and live weight gains while improving eye muscle area and scrotal circumference in our bulls and milk yield in our females.” Major Walter said. “As a pedigree breeder you have highs and lows and the sale was certainly one of those highs made possible by the wonderful team we have here at Balthayock”.

Judge Arwel Owen commented that, “Minstrel oozed presence and Charolais character from the moment I set eyes on him and that is why I chose him for my Champion. His functional correctness was amazing for such a powerful bull, he is a true out and out breeders bull. Subsequently following the judging and looking at the catalogue, it gave me great pleasure to see a bull with such fantastic data followed by a fantastic cow family that’s already delivered in 2017 show season with the highland show reserve female champion”.

A total of nine Balthayock bulls changed hands to average £15,633 and Arwel went on to say “There were three outstanding stock bulls forward from the Balthayock herd. The other two being Balthayock Manifesto who I placed second in his class to the champion and Balthayock Mandate, the reserve senior champion.

Balthayock Manifesto was also in the money for Major Walter at 19,000gns, purchased by Peter and Sheelagh Donger, Towcester, Northamptonshire. Bred from Swalesmoor Cracker daughter Balthayock Finesse, the May 2016-born Manfesto is sired by the Highland Show supreme M and S interbreed champion Balthayock Imp.

Balthayock Manifesto at 19,000gns

Next in the trade stakes for the Major at 16,000gns, was the reserve senior champion Balthayock Mandate, a 21-month-old son of the 20,000gns Royal Welsh Show supreme champion Maerdy Grenadier and out of Balthayock Gold who goes back to Swalesmoor Cracker. He goes home to work with HR and C Dalrymplre, Ballantrae, Ayrshire.

Balthayock Mandate at 16,000gns

Adding to the Walter’s celebrations, they also received 14,000gns for another Balthayock Imp son. Class winner Balthayock Mikado who was purchased by James Jeffrey, Kelso, Roxburghshire is an April 2016-born out of Balthayock Heaven, a Swalesmoor Cracker daughter.

Balthayock Mikado at 14,000gns

D Taylor of South Ronaldsay, Orkney purchased the Major’s final five figured bull at 10,000gns. The 20-month-old Balthayock Morgan, is a son of the Braco Show champion Ugie Echo and home-bred Barbican Lancer-sired Balthayock Ira.

Balthayock Morgan at 10,000gns

The aforementioned Neil Barclay’s Harestone herd was another to enjoy a great trade and sold eight bulls to level at £9,975. The first, a 22-month-old class winner, selling at 18,000gns was purchased by French breeder Gaec Godet Retailleau, of Sevremont. Harestone Monarch is the by the Royal Show junior champion Thrunton Socrates, while the dam is Shropshire-bred Trefonnen Ffion, a cow by the 14,000gns Allanfauld Superscot.

Another class winner from Mr Barclay went on to sell 13,000gns. The June 2016-born Harestone Master Is sired by the 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax and out of Blelack Gemma, a 15,000gns Goldies Dynamite daughter. P Cooper and Son, Kincaldrum, Angus were the purchasers.

Harestone Master at 13,000gns

Mr Barclay went on to sell another high-priced bull, this time making 12,000gns for his yellow-ticket-winner Harestone MacGregor. L Forester and Son, Hexham, Northumberland, were the buyers of this 17-month-old son of the 25,000gns Stirling intermediate champion Inverlochy Ferdie and Harestone Tyrol-sired Harestone Francine.

Harestone Macgregor at 12,000gns

The 19-month-old Thrunton Montego from JHC Campbell and Son, Alnwick, Northumberland, was the next five-figure bull to sell. He boasts an impressive pedigree being sired by the 26,000gns Maerdy Hearthrob and out of Thrunton Goldcrest who goes back to the 26,000gns Stirling senior champion Balmyle Dickler. The man behind his 16,000gns final bid was CA Smith, Tarland, Aberdeenshire.

Thrunton Montego at 16,000gns

Just behind at 15,000gns was another Maerdy Hearthrob son, this time offered for sale by RM Adam and Son, Glamis, Angus. Newhouse Maxamus who had been tapped out as reserve intermediate champion twenty-four hours earlier, is a July 2016-born son of Newhouse Geisha, a daughter of the 28,000gns Perth supreme champion Brampton Nacodar and goes home to work in Co Down for the Ballynahinch-based Connolly family.

Newhouse Maxamus at 15.000gns

The reserve supreme champion and August 2016-born Maerdy Montypython, was the first of four top priced lots to sell for Flintshire Vet Esmor Evans, who sold a total of eight for an average of £8,990. Jeremy Price liked the look of this one and paid 14,000gns to take him home to Staunton-on-Wye, Herefordshire. His sire, the 10,000gns Blelack Fabulous was also a reserve senior champion at Stirling, while his dam is the Begonia-sired Maerdy Goddess.

Maerdy Montypython at 14,000gns

Esmor’s next highest priced and selling in a two-way split to a couple of breeders from across the water at 12,000gns, was the 16-month-old Maerdy Maesmor. Maesmor is sired by the French-bred Maerdy Gouverneur and out of Maerdy Dynamite daughter Maerdy Iod. Jonathan Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry and Will Short, Omagh, Co Tyrone were the partners who purchased him.

Also in the money for Mr Evans was the red-ticket winner Maerdy Maosglas, who sold in an 11,000gns deal to B Keir and Son, Alford, Aberdeenshire. The August 2016-born Maoglas is out of the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion and Caithness Show supreme champion Clyth Diplomat daughter Maerdy Grug and sired by the above-mentioned herd sire Blelack Fabulous, who has bred sons to 28,000gns.

Maerdy Maesmor at 12,000gns

Maerdy Mosglas at 11,000gns

Adding to Esmor’s celebrations, he also received 10,000gns for the October 2016-born Maerdy Maldwyn, who stood second in his class at the pre-sale show. Another Blelack Fabulous son, this time out of the Maerdy Blackout-sired Maerdy Daphne, he was purchased by H Stewart, Lybster, Caithness.

Maerdy Maldwyn at 10,000gns

Two bulls were knocked down at 12,000gns a piece with the first coming from RS McAskie, Keith, Banffshire. Staying local when purchased by WR Simmers and Sons, also from Keith, Strathisla Major is an 18-month-old son of the 11,000gns Carlisle senior champion Southwillow Hal and 19,000gns Doune and Dunblane champion Corrie Alan daughter Strathisla Hope.

Strathisla Major at 12,000gns

The second 12,000gns bid came from A Strachan, Brechin, Angus for the August 2016-born Falleninch Mars. The 18-month-old Mars, who was crowned senior breed champion and reserve interbreed champion at Stars of the Future in November for breeder and exhibited Andrew Hornall, Stirling, Stirlingshire, is out of a previous Stars of the Future show interbreed champion Falleninch Isabella and sired by Fairway Jefferson.

Falleninch Mars at 12,000gns

Following on at 11,500gns was the June 2016-born Ballinlare Midas from J Wilson and Sons, Newry, Co Down, who stood third in his class on Monday. T Howden and Son, Balerno, Mid Lothian, were the winning bidders of this 11,000gns Burradon Goodfellow and 55,000gns Balmoral Show interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo-sired Ballinlare Harmony son.

Ballinlare Midas at 11,500gns

Matching the 11,000gns price tag and also receiving a blue ticket in the pre-sale show, was an offering from WK and P Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Glenericht Mecca, a 17-month-old son of the Highland Show and Royal Show interbreed champion Fleets Vibrant and 12,000gns Caylers Gladiator daughter Glenericht Jen was purchased by D Muirhead, Arbroath, Aberdeenshire.

Glenericht Mecca at 11,000gns

Four further bulls were knocked down at 10,000gns a piece, with the first coming from Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire. Goldies Marshall, who is sired by the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox, was tapped out first in his class and the 20-month-old is out of Goldies Hippy, a daughter of the proven high performing, short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger. He goes on the Brechin to work for W Mather and Sons in their Angus holding.

Goldies Marshall at 10,000gns

Another to bring 10,000gns when chapped down to A and J Wilson, Insch, Aberdeenshire, was Hamish Goldie’s blue ticket winner Goldies Mercedes. The August 2016-born is by Blelack Blackberet who sired the 2017 Royal Highland Show and Yorkshire Show junior champions. His dam is Goldies Hifi ET who is out of a full sister to the 34,000gns Goldies Uppermost and goes back to the 14,000gns Perth reserve senior champion Goldies Banker.

Goldies Mercedes at 11,000gns

Also Commanding a 10,000gns bid was the Loganbar Interpol-sired Loganbar Magnum. J and W Wilson, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire, were the winning bidders of this July 2016-born son of the 12,000gns Balmyle Addition daughter Loganbar Ellenour on offer from Murray Lyle, Dunblane, Perthshire.

Loganbar Magnum at 10,000gns

The final lot to make five figures was the 16-month-old, reserve junior champion from consigner Mark McGahan of Glossop, Derbyshire. Chunal Maverick who is sired by Harestone Hercules and out of home-bred Chunal Heather who goes back to the 28,000gns Perth supreme champion Brampton Nacodar, was snapped up for 10,000gns by RM Adam and Son, Glamis, Angus.

Chunal Maverick at 10,000gns

Leading the bids for the small consignment of females at 7,000gns was the June 2016-born Goldies Madame, who had been awarded the female championship at the pre-sale show for breeder and exhibitor Hamish Goldie. Madame who is a daughter of the top performing 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman and bred out of Goldies Goldengirl, a Goldies Ambassador daughter, caught the eye of K Earle, Penybont, Carmarthenshire.

Goldies Madame at 7,000gns

Averages: 115 bulls £7635; 14 heifers £3,684.

Auctioneers: United Auctions

Overall champion Balthayock Minstrel and the reserve overall champion Maerdy Montypython

Interbreed champion Maerdy Montypython and reserve interbreed champion Newhouse Maxamus

Senior champion Balthayock Minstrel and reserve senior champion Balthayock Mandate

Female champion Goldies Madame and reserve female champion Goldies Milady

Junior champion Hollywell Mojito and reserve junior champion Chunal Maverick

Harestone group of three, Mat, Majestic ET and Macgregor

A combination of pedigree and commercial interest saw a solid trade of Charolais bulls at the Royal Northern Agricultural Society Spring Show on Wednesday 28 February. Bidding peaked at 8,200gns and 11 lots sold to an average of £6,252, a massive £2,082 up on last year’s trade.

Topping the Charolais lots at 8,200gns, was C and E McCombie’s Auchincrieve Montreal from Huntly, Aberdeenshire, whose herd also saw the best average of the day at £7,070 with two more high priced lots finding new homes. Montreal, an April 2016-born son of Olrig Highwayman and the Sang-D’or-sired Auchincrieve Fiona, was purchased by E Innes and Son, Ballindalloch, Banffshire.

Commanding a 6,200gns bid from Haddo House, Ellon, Aberdeenshire, was the red-ticket-winner Auchincrieve Mclovin. This 21-month-old entry from the same home as Montreal is also sired by Olrig Highwayman, his dam is the 38,000gns Perth reserve junior champion Goldies Champion daughter Harviestoun Golddust.

The reserve champion Kinclune Marco from JA Wilson and Sons, Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire, was next in the trade stakes and the first of two to sell for 8,000gns. Sired by the 20,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Beechtree George and out of Kinclune Gemma, a Maerdy Boom daughter, the 22-month-old Marco stayed local when purchased by G Wilson and Son, Glenkindle, Aberdeenshire.

The Wilson’s, who sold a total of three to average £6,125 had another Beechtree George son in the money, this time out of the home-bred 20,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Crownprince daughter Kinclune Gloriana. The July 2016-born Kinclune Montgomery attracted a 5,000gns bid from C Addison, Ellon, Aberdeenshire.

The second to be knocked down at 8,000gns, was the June 2016-born Tonley Mahez who had been awarded a yellow ticket earlier in the day at the pre-sale show, for breeders and exhibitors NA Wattie, Alford, Aberdeenshire. C Smith, Dunecht, Westhill, was the man with his hand in the air when the hammer came down on the Blelack Forbes-sired Mahez, bred out of the 15,000gns Goldies Dynamite daughter Blelack Glamourpuss.

Two bulls came under the hammer for 5,800gns with the first being the yellow ticket winner and March 2016-born Auchincrieve Maximus, consigned by the aforementioned C and E McCombie. He is no stranger to the show ring having been awarded second prize calf at Stars of the Future in November. Another by Olrig Highwayman and from Blelack Thelma who in turn is sired by the 15,000gns Maerdy Oxo, he was purchased by Firm of AAY, Thurso, Caithness.

The second call of 5,800gns was paid by M and I Steel, Banchory, Kincardineshire, for the 20-month-old Bonnykelly Mark, who was tapped out second in his class earlier in the day. Mark who is sired by the 10,000gns Carlisle reserve intermediate champion Gretnahouse Ivory and out of Bonnykelly Freda who goes back to the New Deer Show champion Newhouse Challanger, was bred and exhibited by R Leggat, New Pitsligo, Aberdeenshire.

The Steel’s were in a buying mood and snapped up another lot from Mr Leggat for 5,000gns, this time the class winning Bonnykelly Magnum. Magnum who was crowned champion at the New Deer show at just 13 months old, is a 20-month-old son of Kersknowe Clansman and Bonnykelly Fern, a daughter of New Deer Show champion Newhouse Challanger.

The third lot to cash in a 5000gns was the day’s champion from AN Reid, Hill of Logie, Aberdeenshire. Purchased by F and J Whyte, Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Foundland Magistrate who boasts some top-class pedigree breeding behind him is sired by the 16,000gns Perth Junior Champion Clyth Diplomat, who has previously bred sons to 16,000gns. His dam line is no less impressive, out of Foundland Helen who has bred bulls to 7,500gns, her sire being the 26,000gns Maerdy Amontillado who has bred a Highland Show Champion and her grandsire is the 25,000gns Highland Show champion Maerdy Impeccable.

Averages: 11 bulls £6,252
Auctioneers: Aberdeen and Northern Marts

The Harman awards were Presented by Society Vice-chairman and award founder Ben Harman at the Stirling sale on Tuesday 20^th February, who commented “The Self Replacing Index (SRI) is one of the key measures of genetic progress in British Charolais Cattle, and the Harman awards recognise those herds with the greatest % age improvement in SRI over the previous 12-month period.  I am delighted that such well-established herds have won the awards in each region this year, between them, the four herds boast 131 years of experience breeding British Charolais.  This demonstrates that the inclusion of performance data can enhance even the most experienced breeders’ businesses.”

“The requirement for accurately recorded performance data is driven by our customers, the commercial beef producers, who recognise the extra value of Charolais sired cattle in the store markets and abattoirs the length and breadth of the UK.  Breedplan performance data helps our customers identify the type of Charolais which best suit their needs, this data combined with visual assessment of potential bulls ensures that the crossing men can choose bulls which will give them the maximum return for their enterprises. This in turn ensures that those customers will return time and again to buy Charolais which have been proven in study after study to outperform all other breeds as a terminal sire.”

Fallenich herd award – Ben Harman & Andrew Hornall

The overall and Scottish regional winner was the 20-cow-strong, Stirling based Falleninch herd of Andrew Hornall, which showed an improvement of +9.8 on SRI in the past 12 months, ending the year on an average of +41.

The Falleninch herd, which was established in 1973, joined the Breedplan scheme when it was adopted by the society in 2007, recognising the importance recording would have to the improvement of the herd.

Andrew, a 3rd generation Charolais breeder who farms 300 acres of permanent grass across two holdings, grazes 250 commercial cattle per year on a New Zealand-style grass grazing system and the high-quality beef produced supplies his Falleninch Farm butchery business. His main focus is on strong maternal traits which ensures that his Falleninch Herd is a regular and successful exhibitor at shows and sales.

Andrew said “I am really pleased to be awarded the top spot in this great competition, which through its selection process helps to enhance the integrity of the Charolais breed. Our purchase of Fairway Jefferson has helped us achieve our improvement this year and our customers seem to think so to, as his first son sold for 12,000gns at Stirling last week.”

Oakchurch herd award – Mia Price, Ben Harman & Jeremy Price

Runners-up were the English regional winners Jeremy, Ala Price, Mia and Ryan Price with a yearly SRI Improvement of +9.3 and a total average of +59 for their Herefordshire herd. The Price’s Oakchurch herd is comprised of 20 cows with females kept as replacements and bulls sold for breeding.

In order to monitor performance, Jeremy started recording as soon as he set up the herd. He says “I find if you enter accurate data, you get useful information back. People always want an idea of what they are buying, and performance recording really helps with that.”

Mr Price focuses on growth rates and says that calving ease is essential with the commercial producer in mind. He says “We aim for cows that give birth unassisted, have a short gestation period, do not suffer losses and produce calves with good growth rates and conformation. At the same time, we are also aiming for a bit more fat depth.”

Coolnaslee herd award – Jonathan Crawford, Ben Harman and Stuart Wilson

Heading up the Northern Ireland pack was the Coolnaslee herd of Jonathan Crawford, whose father the late Gilbert Crawford established the Charolais herd in 1993. Managed by Stuart Wilson the Maghera-based unit has shown a twelve-month improvement of +8.2 and their total average is +39.7.

Also joining Breedplan in 2007 Gilbert, who was always keeping an eye out for new opportunities to develop his herd, knew how to push the boundaries, with others benefiting from his experience and also working to keep pace and move with the times.

Jonathan is keen to keep moving with the herds progress and commented “I am very proud to accept this award on behalf of our herd. Breedplan is a great system and it shows our buyers just what their getting when the purchase a Coolnaslee bull. The purchase of the Stirling reserve champion Balthayock Justice has really made a difference to our calving ease figures. He now has 50 progeny on the ground and a calving ease score of +23.4 which puts him in the top 1% for the breed.”

Maerdy herd award – Ben Harman & Esmor Evans

A SRI Improvement of +7.1 and a total average of +39.9 saw Esmor Evans’ Flintshire-based Maerdy herd awarded winners of the Welsh region. The 1973 established herd who recently announced the £25,000 sale of the 18-month-old Maerdy Morwr, also joined Breedplan early on and has moved from strength to strength with their 140-cow pedigree herd based on a 1000ft hill farm.

Esmor said “We have been striving for an improvement in the calving figures which are important to us as breeders and also to our customers, both pedigree and commercial. The influence of Blelack Fabulous, whose four son’s averaged just over £11,000 at Stirling, has help us achieve this improvement in calving ease and his progeny are also scanning well with good muscle area. Our other stock bull, the French-bred Maerdy Gouverneur has also proved to be a very good calver and six of the eight bulls we sold last week were by these two influential sires”.

Neil with his sister Alison Mayes

With hard work, and a commitment to producing quality home grown meat, the Blyth family from Hartlepool has seen demand for their beef and lamb though their butcher’s shops grow year on year. We talk to them to find out the secret behind their success.

Neil Blyth, is part of a family enterprise that currently runs two successful butcher’s shops in Hartlepool as well as a 500-acre beef, sheep and arable enterprise at Middleton House Farm.

“There’s no secret to our success,” says Neil. “Dad started with his first shop in the 1980’s, and it’s been a lot of hard work to get where we are today. To succeed, we’ve needed to be aware of what our customers want, and we’ve changed our farming methods to meet these. Obviously, we’re in a position where we have an integrated business, and this gives us valuable insight into our end consumer as well as an opportunity to adapt to ensure market demand.

“It’s been an important selling point, and a principle of our business, to produce the beef and lamb that we sell. That way we have the control over the product. We’ve built our business on supplying locally produced, home grown, quality meat.

“We’ve tried different breeds over the years in order to get the most out of a carcase – and supply quality meat to our shops. We need to ensure we have good cover on the carcase to enable us to hang it for up to 28 days. Our aim, as a butchery business, is to use as much of the carcase as possible, from the inexpensive cuts to the high-end sirloin steaks, so quality throughout is vital if we want to meet the needs of all our customers.”

The farm currently produces three to four beef animals a week for their shops and, with changing tastes, Neil has found the modern Charolais to be the best suited for his marketplace.

“The carcase we’re currently producing for our trade is smaller than many years ago, but it makes up for this with its efficiency. These animals are very cost effective from both a farm business perspective, and from shop sales.”

Neil’s cattle are reared on a suckler system, which he believes produces the best meat for the market. “It’s such a natural system, and we strive to produce all the feed on our farm so we’re self-sufficient. This year, we’ve grown about 150 acres of crops – oats, barley, wheat and beans to get some home-grown protein. We’ve also rotated with rye and brassicas to ensure a range of alternative forages extending our grazing season. We feed a TMR throughout the winter months to ensure good growth, and work with a nutritionist to ensure a balanced and nutritious ration.

“We calve 80% of our herd in the spring to utilise grazed grass, and give the cows and calves an environment in which they thrive. The 350-head herd is made up of Charolais, Saler and Simmental crosses, which are put to our homebred Charolais bulls.”  Neil AI’s all the heifers, and calves them down at two years old.

“We keep all the resultant calves, and regularly weigh the animals to assess gains and conformation. What’s important, for our business specifically, is ensuring consistency, and we get this with the Charolais.

“We aim to finish the heifers at 320-380kg deadweight, and the steers at 350-400kg deadweight. The impressive thing about these Charolais crosses is their ability to convert feed to growth and the ability to produce a high yielding -quality carcase for the market. Having sufficient cover has become even more crucial for our business, as we’ve recently invested in a dry aging cabinet, where the fat cover is vital to encase the meat for a minimum of 28 days. Without it, the meat would lose its succulence and our sales would suffer.

“From experience I believe the Charolais is suited to many systems, and the modern breed offers farmers an opportunity to produce cost-effective beef for the current marketplace. As a farmer, you want to rear high quality, healthy animals that grow well and sell well – the Charolais does this.

“Looking ahead I’d like to see suckler beef branded in the UK as I feel this offers greater marketing opportunities, and potentially a price premium. The retail trade should recognise different rearing systems, and price accordingly. Suckler beef is reared predominately on a non-intensive grass-based system, and I believe this is what the consumer wants. I think we could see a change in payments – with bonuses for marbling scores, as well as for grades.

“I’m very confident about the future demand for quality UK-produced red meat – we can produce it so efficiently in the UK and to a world class quality,” he concludes. “I believe consumers are becoming more and more aware of the food they eat, and how it’s produced, and that this offers great opportunities for the future.”

There was great trade for Charolais at the Northern Ireland Charolais Club sale at Dungannon on Friday 16 March. The sale which had been postponed due to the bad weather at the beginning of the month, saw an 86% clearance, a 9% increase on last year. The 38 bulls averaged £3,285 which was up from last year’s equivalent by £367, for five more sold.

Leading the pack at 5,600gns and 5,000gns respectively were a couple of crackers from Jonathan Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry. The first Coolnaslee Manager, had been tapped out third in his class at the pre-sale show and caught the eye of O Jeffers, Cookstown, Co Tyrone. The August 2016-born Manager is sired by the 10,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Ratoary Ferguson, while his dam is the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister daughter Edenhurst Hrh, who was purchased from the Edenhurst dispersal in October 2015 for 8,000gns.

Mr Crawford’s 5,000gns bull was the reserve junior champion Coolnaslee Minto. Minto also boasts and impressive pedigree, being a son of 10,000gns Carlisle intermediate champion and Clogher show intermediate champion Ratoary Icebreaker and the 10,000gns Blelack Babe, who goes back to the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion and Royal Show junior male champion Thrunton Socrates. C Shaw, Carryduff, Belfast was the purchaser of this 15-month-old lad.

Two bulls secured a price of 4,800gns a piece and both came from Harold Stubbs & Alan Burleigh, Crummy, Co Fermanagh, who went on to sell a total of four to average £4,252.50. First up was the reserve supreme and reserve senior champion Derryharney Mustang, a 19-month-old who was the first to be purchased Terry Coghill who had travelled over from Birsay in Orkney to judge the pre-sale show. The breeding here includes the 10,000gns Perth supreme champion Thrunton Bonjovi and the Balmoral Show supreme champion Goldies Carnival daughter Derryharney Hazel.

The next Stubbs and Burleigh consignment which also secured a 4,800gns bid was the class winning, September 2016-born Derryharney Muncher. Muncher who is sired by the proven high performing, short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger is out of Derryharney Jazzystar, who in turn is sired by the Fintona male champion Derryharney Happyharry. He heads on to Stranocum, Co Antrim, to work for John McHenry.

J Smith, Randalstown, Co Antrim, was the next to snap up one of the Stubbs and Burleigh lots. The 18-month old Derryharney Mrmotivator, a son of the 22,000gns Newhouse Bigal and Thrunton Bonjovi daughter Derryharney Ipad, secured a bid of 3,600gns.

Selling in a 4,400gns deal to ED Sherrard, Belfast, Co Down, was a blue ticket winner from Will Short, Beragh, Co Tyrone. Woodpark Mcbeth is a November 2016-born son of the 14,000gns Goldies Usher
and Woodpark Idele, a daughter of the 9,500gns Stirling reserve senior champion Woodpark Gregg.

After his earlier purchase of the reserve champion, pre-sale show Judge Terry Coghill was again prepared to back up his judgement when he put his hand in his pocket for the supreme champion Carrgene Muckian. An August 2016-born son of the Irish-bred Crossmolina Euro and the homebred Carrgene Gemma, a Major daughter, Muckian had also been awarded the overall male championship and senior male champion rosettes earlier in the day and secured a 4,200gns bid for breeder and consigner Eugene Muckian, Silverbridge, Co Down.

Next in the trade stakes at 3,700gns was the 16-month-old Dartonhall Milan, who is sired by the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend. An entry from John Erskine, Killylea, Co Armagh, Milan’s dam is the 7,000gns Stirling female champion Vexour Galina, who goes back to the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister, he was purchased by J Martin, Staramore, Co Armagh.

Just behind at 3,600gns was an entry from Balfour Brothers, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh, who was purchased by ST Scott, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. The October 2016-born Clonatrig Max is sired by Doonally New and out of Blelack Digger daughter Clonatrig Ida.

Two bulls were knocked down at 3,500gns a piece with the first coming from Vincent Cunningham, Dromore, Co Down. Class winner Cunnsallagh Macduff is by the well-known AI sire Indurain, while the dam is Cunnsallagh Edna, a cow by the Balmoral Show M&S Beef interbreed winner Sandelford Bergkamp. The 20-month-old Macduff goes home to work in Stewartstown, Co Tyrone for K Watters.

Matching the 3,500gns price tag was the September 2016-born Killadeas Magna, who was tapped out second in his class, for breeders and exhibitors Stuart and David Bothwell, Ballina Mallard, Co Fermanagh. A Hillan, Broughshane, Co Antrim, was the man who forked out the cash for this son of the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Blackford Dynamite and Killadeas Bea, a daughter of the Omagh Show supreme champion and Royal Ulster Show reserve supreme champion Derrygiff Mills.

Following on at 3,400gns was Moorlough Marco. G Cutler of Florencecourt, was the successful bidder of this yellow-ticket winner and took him home to his Co Fermanagh-based unit. This 15-month-old lad from John McBride, Strabane, Co Tyrone, is by the 10,000gns Portadown supreme champion Moorlough Palo, while the dam is the Doonally New-sired Moorlough Hannah.

Another from John McBride was the first to secure the next highest price of 3,200gns. Moorlough Mecca, a 16-month-old, sired by the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend and out of Moorlough Isla, who goes back to the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion and Caithness Show supreme champion Clyth Diplomat, was purchased by George Ewart, Killylea, Co Armagh.

The second to be knocked down at 3,200gns was a yellow-ticket winning entry from the aforementioned Will Short. Woodpark Minstrel, a 21-month-old who was purchased by S Campbell, Bellaghy, Co Derry, is a 2007-born son of the 19,000gns Doune and Dunblane champion Corrie Alan bred out of Woodpark Guinevere, a Begonia daughter.

A trio of bulls sold for the next highest price of 3,100gns and the first was Tullyconnaught Mel. The breeding here includes the 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax on to the home-bred Tullyconnaught Daisy, who goes back to the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman. The September 2016-born Mel was another purchased by judge Terry Coghill, this time from Mr James Pyers, Corbet, Co Down.

Also hitting the 3,100gns price tag was William Whyte’s Innisrush Magic from Portglenone, Co Antrim. Another Blelack Digger son this time out of Innisrush Gem, a daughter of the 55,000gns Balmoral Show interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo, this September 2016-born lad caught the eye of Michael Mullin, Dungannon, Co Tyrone.

Another to secure 3,100gns when knocked down to Michael Quinn, Cookstown, Co Tyrone, was the 16-month-old Glenramble Mark, an entry from Thomas O’Neill, Claudy, Co Derry. Mark is sired by the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox, while the dam is the Dromiskin Viceroy-sired Glenramble Honey.

Another trio secured matching price tags, this time at 3,000gns a piece. Derryharney Murray from the above-mentioned Harold Stubbs and grandson Alan Burleigh was the first, and was purchased by G Campbell, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. Murray is bred from Thrunton Bonjovi daughter Derryharney Imlucky, sired by Goldies Eddy and was 17-month-old on the day of sale.

The second 3,000gns bull was the October 2016-born Drumacritten Marcus, who goes home to work in Downpatrick, Co Down, for his new owner C Montgomery. Marcus is sired by the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion and Caithness Show supreme champion Clyth Diplomat, is out of Drumacritten Angel, a Lisnalurg Ignot daughter and secured a yellow rosette for vendor George Nelson, Rosslea, Co Fermanagh.

Matching the 3,000gns price tag was a class winner from the O’Kane Bros of Lower Ovill, Co Derry. Ovill Mahon who is a 16-month-old lad out of the 55,000gns Balmoral Show interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo daughter Ovill Gwynne, and sired by the home-bred Ovill Instant went home with an undisclosed bidder.

The female section was topped by the female champion at 3,100gns. The 21-month-old Brogher Mygirl from Mr T Phair, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh was purchased by Andrew Dunne, Kinawley, Co Fermanagh, for his 2014-established Charolais herd. Mygirl is another sired by Blelack Digger and out of the Lyonsdemesne Tzar daughter Brogher Fancygirl.

Averages 38 bulls £3,285, 2 heifers £2,250
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart
Sponsor: Danske Bank
Judge: Terry Coghill, Birsay, Orkney

South East, Anglia & South West Regional Qualifier

There was an early start to the qualifiers this year, as the weekend after Easter saw the first of the regional qualifiers take place for the South East, Anglia and South West regions on Saturday 7 April at Mortimers Farm, Fair Oak, Hampshire, by kind invitation of the Piper and Maclean families.

Mortimers Farm which established their Charolais pedigree herd in 1983 with the purchase of seven pedigree Charolais females from the Monymusk herd, is well known throughout the show circuit as Charlie and the boys take their show team all over the country. They have achieved considerable success in all age groups at National and County Shows including Overall Supreme Championship at the Royal Highland, South of England and The Royal Bath & West – to name just a few, and bred the last ever Royal Show Champion Mortimers Urovision.

In the sale ring the herd has had seven Perth sale female champions, five of whom were sired by homebred Mortimers Josh and their current record high priced, was the sale of Mortimers Echo for 10,000gns at Stirling in February 2011.

Quality is favoured over quantity and the Mortimers’ breeding objective has been to produce quality females and bulls for pedigree herds and the commercial farmer – focusing on ease of calving, conformation, temperament, milk and growth rates. A high health and welfare policy is paramount, and the herd is a member of the SRUC Premium Cattle Health Scheme and accredited for BVD, IBR and Johnes.

After the club AGM the stockjudging began with three classes to be judged, young heifers, cows and bulls, after which we tucked into the fine spread laid on by regional co-ordinator and host Karen Maclean, which included some very welcome warming soup. Lunch and the presentations were hosted in the beautiful period barn and when everyone had eaten their fill there was a chance to have a go at halter making with Graham Fishlock before a cattle dressing demonstration by experienced showmen Darren Knox of the Drumshane herd and host Charlie Maclean.

Before the presentation of prizes, the master judge 23-year-old Ruth Perry gave us a demonstration on how to give reasons and the young competitors had a chance to ask her questions about her choices and her experiences in previous stockjudging competitions. It was refreshing to have such a young master judge and the high scores achieved by the competitors proved that she knew her stuff.

Congratulations to all of the regional high scorers who go forward to the National final on the 21^st July. For the South East region, Angus Maclean and Kirstie Torrance will represent the seniors with scores of 142 & 132 respectively. Donald Maclean and Matthew Ranson who scored 134 & 106 will go forward at the intermediate team and Holly Archer and Kiera Mason go forward for the juniors with scores of 141 and 138. For Anglia, team a are Naomi Jones and Ellie Knox who scored 127 & 125, team b – Toby Ranson and Hannah Knox – 102 & 123 and team c – Charlie Knox scoring 123 and William Heath. And finally, the South West will be represented by James Wareham, George Wareham, Emily Mitchell, Ben Trim, Tom Mitchell and Ali Wareham who scored 113, 102, 136, 134, 130 & 112 respectively.

South East Senior Winner Angus Maclean & Runner-up Kirstie Torrance with Judge Ruth Perry & Host Karen Maclean

South East Intermediate Winner Donald Maclean & Runner-up Matthew Ranson with Judge Ruth Perry & Host Karen Maclean

South East Junior Winner Holly Archer & Runner-up Kiera Mason with Judge Ruth Perry & Host Karen Maclean

Anglia Team Ellie, Hannah & Charlie Knox with Judge Ruth Perry & Host Karen Maclean

South West Intermediate Winner Emily Mitchell with Judge Ruth Perry & Host Karen Maclean

South West Junior Winner Ben Trim & Runner up Tom Mitchell with Judge Ruth Perry & Host Karen Maclean

Regional Qualifier Dates

Wales & Midlands
At Welshpool Livestock Sales, Buttington Cross, Welshpool, SY21 8SR, on Friday 27 April, commencing at 4:30pm.

Border
At Borderway Mart, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 2RS on Friday 11 May, commencing at 7pm. Joint stockjudging with the British Blonde Society.

Yorkshire & North East
At Brampton Hall, Skelton on Ure, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AW, by kind invitation of Billy & Sarah Turner, on Sunday 20 May, commencing at 2pm.

Scotland
At Firhills Farm, Arbroath, Angus, DD11 4RJ, by kind invitation of Jim & Alison Muirhead, on Sunday 27 May, commencing at 12 noon.

Northern Ireland
At Swatragh Mart, 46 Garvagh Rd, Swatragh, Maghera, BT46 5QE, on Friday 1 June, commencing at 5pm.

National Final & Open day

Kindly hosted by the Donger family at Seawell Grounds, Foxley, Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8HW on Saturday 21 July 2018.

The event will begin at 9am with trailer tours of the cattle and holding, a presentation by Weatherbys on genetic DNA testing and a presentation of the value of using EBV’s for beef production. This will be followed by the Youth stockjudging final and open stockjudging at 12 noon. Lunch will be provided at 1pm, after which there will be presentations by Harbro and Keenan Feeders and a cattle dressing demonstration before the presentation of prizes at 4pm.

If you are travelling from Scotland or Northern Ireland, you may wish to consider flying into Birmingham Airport or getting the train to Birmingham International station. The Society will provide coaches on the day for return travel to and from the train station, which is just a 5-minute free monorail trip from the airport. The coaches will leave the airport at 7:30am and return at approximately 6:30pm. The fee for return travel will depend on the uptake but will be approximately £10 per head.

There are 150 open places for up for grabs, on a first come, first served basis, so if you would like to attend please could you let us know as places must be booked by Friday 1 June 2018.

Charolais bulls met a solid commercial trade at Welshpool on Saturday 28 April where 32 bulls sold to average £3,986.72, with a clearance rate of 70%.

The top priced bull at 6,500gns was an 18-month-old entry from the Barker family, Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, who stood first in his class at the pre-sale show. Caylers Mclaren who is sired by Gretnahouse Ultimate and out of the homebred Caylers Jemma who goes back to Thrunton Dominator, went home with ER Hollinsworth and son, to work in Middleton, Manchester.

Caylers Mclaren sold for 6500gns

The Caylers family bulls were in demand and they sold a total of three to average £5,530, including the next highest priced lot Caylers Minstrel. R Napper, West Hagbourne, Oxfordshire, was the purchaser this time and paid 5,800gns for the blue-ticket winner and November 2016-born Minstrel, a son of the Irish-born Rosanna Jupiter and the Thrunton Dominator-sired Caylers Gigi.

Caylers Minstrel sold for 5800 gns

Another breeder who enjoyed success on the day was Flintshire vet Esmor Evans from Mold, who not only bagged the pre-sale show championship but also secured four bull sales making an average of £4,331. His highest priced lot and champion was the 19-month-old Maerdy Mauard, out of the Vald’or-Ra-sired Maerdy Hwylus and by the easy calving, high scanning, 10,000gns Stirling reserve senior male champion Blelack Fabulous, who has previously sold sons to 22,000gns and 28,000gns. This champion lot was purchased at 5,500gns by DL and LE Davies, Llanegryn, Gwynedd.

Maerdy Mauard the Champion sold for 5500 gns

Priced at 5,200gns and selling to WT Jones and Co, Tywyn, Gwynedd, was the December 2016-born Esgob Majestic from Gareth Jones, Cwntrimnach, Gwynedd. Majestic is sired by the 26,000gns Carlisle junior champion Anside Excalibur and out of Esgob Diva who goes back to the 18,000gns Thrunton Virginian.

Esgob Majestic sold for 5200 gns

Two lots secured the next highest price of 5,000gns a piece and the first was a 19-month-old Wesley Evolution son, Trannon Montgomery from John Williams, Caersws, Powys. Montgomery’s home-bred dam Trannon Hanna is sired by Wernvale Chico and he caught the eye of GE Davies and Sons, Llanrhaeadr, Shropshire.

Trannon Montgomery sold for 5000 gns

Also at 5,000gns and this time selling to Mr A Jones, Bettws Y Coed, Gwynedd, was a 17-month-old offering from Kevin Thomas, Capel Iwan, Carmarthenshire. Moelfre Morgan is sired by the 12,500gns Stirling class winner Balmyle Impression, who has proved to be a shrewd purchase for Mr Thomas, already producing four sons whose sales have averaged 7,500gns a piece and the Royal Welsh show junior male champion Moelfre Magic. His dam Moelfre Forgetmenot goes back to the French-bred Texan.

Moelfre Morgan sold for 5000 gns

The oldest and first lot of the sale sold for the next highest price of 4,500gns. Finnwest Massey who is a July 2016-born son of the proven easy calving and short gestation Blelack Digger and Brailes Asteroid-sired Finnwest Indigo, was bred and exhibited by Paul Weston, Ashbourne, Derbyshire and sold to LF James and Son, Cilmaengwyn, Swansea.

Another lot was also knocked down at 4,500gns, this time selling to Mr B Bridgewater, Rhulen, Powys. Graiggoch Magnum, a 16-month-old, who had stood third in his class earlier in the day for breeder Gerwyn Jones, Nebo, Conwy, is sired by the 16,000gns Stirling junior champion and Caithness Show champion Clyth Diplomat and out of Thrunton Starband who goes back to the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Mowbraypark Orlando.

Another Derbyshire breeder was in the money when Thomas Cox from Great Longstone, secured 4,300gns for the November 2016-born Bleaklow Magnum. This son of the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox and Royal Highland Show reserve junior bull Elgin Davinci-sired Bleaklow Jlo was purchased by AJ and JM Abberley, Llandrindod Wells, Powys.

A couple of lots secured a price of 4,000gns and the first was a yellow-ticket winner from the aforementioned Esmor Evans, Mold, Flintshire. Maerdy Muir, an 18-month-old who is sired by Blelack Fabulous and out of Maerdy Eglantine, a French-bred Populair daughter, went home to Llandefalle, Powys, with CE and A Millichap.

Also making 4,000gns was a class winner from Gareth Jones, Cwntrimnach, Gwynedd, who stayed local when he was purchased by E and LG Williams, Abergele, Gwynedd. Esgob Neu, a 15-month-old by the Irish-bred Goldstar Gentleman, is out of the home-bred Esgob Helen who is turn is sired by the 26,000gns Carlisle junior champion Anside Excalibur.

A heifer from Richard Butler, Barbers Bridge, Gloucestershire, was the only female lot of the main sale. Carrigbeg Moo is a two-year-old by the 11,000gns Balthayock Adonis, whose dam Congress Isadora is a daughter 25,000gns Perth supreme champion and Highland Show junior champion Goldies Unbeatable. RWL and JE George, Llanfair, Caereinion, Powys, purchased her for 1,950gns.

A small reduction of six cow and calves from the Harman family, Chesham, Buckinghamshire, was also featured at the sale. The top priced at 2,400gns was the mother and daughter duo – 2014-born Silver Janet and her four-month-old heifer calf Silver Nectar. The 18,000gns Thrunton Fairfax sired Janet, is out of Silver Borghild, a Chesham Pingpong daughter, while her daughter Nectar is sired by the 14,000gns Stirling supreme champion Barnsford Jubilant. The aforementioned Hollinsworth family were the purchasers.

Averages: 32 bulls: £3,986.72; one heifer: £2,048; Harman reduction: 6 Cow and Calves, £2,004
Auctioneers: Welshpool Livestock Sales
Show Judge: Neil Brown, Hackleton, Northamptonshire

The Champion Meardy Mauard and Reserve champion Trefaldwyn Nightrider

On the 7^th March we held our first L2D demonstration courtesy of AHDB and Dunbia Sawley, it was a practical and educational event which allowed members to handle live animals and make assessment of fat cover, conformation using the EUROP grid and carcase weight.

Sue and Steve Powdrill AHDB assessing one of the Charolais cross cattle for finish

We then saw the same animals on the hook in the chillers with the actual classification, so we could compare our assessments made whilst the animals were alive.

Assessing the carcase against the live assessment with David Eden from MLCSL.

After reassessing the carcase’s we were shown the cutting room where all the meat is packed and processed for several different retailers, we then walked the line starting at the stunning box and observed all the operation right through to the independent classification carried out by MLCSL and fridges where the carcases are hung, there was also plenty of opportunity to discuss various market requirements, factors affecting killing out percentages and dressing specifications too.

We discussed the EUROP grids advantages, disadvantages and interestingly an R4L now suits approximately 85% of the markets needs, with 56% of the carcase being minced and a higher percentage of the rounds minced.

One of the key messages that came out of the day was that we need to keep our focus on the width, depth and length of loin the high value cuts, its far more important than producing animals with poor loins and large rounds with the rounds being of less value and possibly minced

Some of the key slides from the day

Prime beef selection | Carcase classification grid

The green area is the key target area for demand with the amber and especially the red less so.

Prime beef selection | Understanding cattle and carcases

An R4L now suits 85% of the markets needs

Finishing cattle

Finishing cattle and the cost to the industry for having over fat cattle, it’s not only an extra cost to the farmers producing fat cattle (and getting penalised for its classification) but a cost to the abattoirs who then must trim the fat off and in some cases valuable joints are having to be minced

On the pictures below, you can see the difference between the two classifications of rib eye with the 5H showing an excess in the Subcutaneous, intramuscular and intermuscular fat levels

Classification R4L

Classification R5H

Liver Fluke

One of the things we discussed was the effect of liver fluke to the industry and here we have an infected condemned liver which is full of fluke this not only hits the daily live weight gains of the animals but costs the industry many £1000’s in livers that are not fit to use.

Injection damage

This was another issue which is costing the industry a lot of money here are two silversides which have been damaged from injecting in the wrong area with dirty needles, the conclusion was its better to inject into the neck muscles with new needles from an animal welfare point and spoiling more expensive cuts of meat.

It was an excellent day both in the classroom and in the abattoir Steve and David from AHDB are good down to earth people who understand the industry and its always great to learn something about the industry we all work in.

A big thankyou to Dunbia Sawley for hosting the event and providing a great buffet dinner.

If you fancy coming along, please give the office a call and we’ll put you on the waitinglist.

Photos courtesy of AHDB

13 Bulls sold to a top price of 4,500gns and an average of £2,835 at the Northern Ireland Charolais club spring sale at Dungannon on Monday 7 May.

Topping the lots at 4,500gns was a 16-month-old entry from Jonathan Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry, who earlier in the day had been crowned supreme and junior champion in the pre-sale show. Coolnaslee Noel, who is the first son to be sold from the 50,000gns Balthayock Justice, is out of Coolnaslee Hanna, a daughter of the 55,000gns Balmoral interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo and was purchased by Ian Gouldy, Greyabbey, Co Down.

Junior & overall Male Champion Coolnalsee Noel for Coolnaslee Herd with Judge Ian Rea. Sire: Balthayock Justice. Sold 4,500gns

Next in the trade stakes at 3,600gns and purchased by Nigel Smyth, Randalstown, Co Antrim, was the 14-month-old Dernaseer National, who was bred and exhibited by Dominic Arthurs, Dungannon, Co Tyrone. Bred out of the 18,000gns Perth intermediate champion Fury Action daughter Dernaseer Dorreen, he is sired by Palace Garfield.

The days senior champion came from Trevor Phair, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh and sold in a 3,400gns deal. Brogher Master, a November 2016-born son of Vexour Freddy and Brogher Eva, who goes back to Prime Roberto caught the eye of Mr A Loughran, Cookstown, Co Tyrone.

Senior Champion Brogher Master owned by T Phair with judge Ian Rea and Conor Pahir

Just behind at 3,100gns was the class winner Ovill Neymar. D Brown, Springfield, Co Fermanagh, was the man behind the money on the purchase of this 14-month-old, by popular AI sire Davally Illusion, bred out of the Doonally New-sired Ballymakea Carmel, from the O’Kane Bros, Dungiven, Co Derry.

Class Winner for the O’kane Brothers with Ovill Neymar. Sold 3,100gns

The reserve supreme and reserve junior champion Drumlone Norman was another top priced lot, securing 2,900gns for breeder Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh. The January 2017-born Norman is sired by Goldies Echo and out of Drumlone Hilda who goes back to Oldstone Egbert. He goes on to work in Tempo, Co Fermanagh for Mr C Fee.

Reserve Junior & ; reserve overall Male Champion for Drumlone Norman with Kevin Veitch, Judge Ian Rea & Sponsor Moore Concrete. Sire: Sold 2,900gns

Purchased at 2,500gns by S Murphy, Mullaghbawn, Co Down, was another Balthayock Justice son from the aforementioned Jonathan Crawford. Coolnaslee Moonbeam who stood second in his class earlier in the day, is a November 2016-born son of Sportsmans Columbo daughter Coolnaslee Ganet.

The female section was headed by the female champion and 20-month-old Derryharney Margharita from Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh, Crummy, Co Fermanagh. Margharita who is sired by the 8,000gns Blelack Blackberet and out of a 19,000gns Doune and Dunblane champion Corrie Alan homebred daughter Derryharney Jamboree, was purchased by George Nelson, Drumacritten, Co Fermanagh.

Averages: 13 Bulls: £2,835; one heifer £2,100
Auctioneers: Dungannon Farmers Mart
Judge: Ian Rea, Crumlin, Co Antrim
Sponsor: Moore Concrete

Trade held up well at the Charolais Society sale where buyers came out in force to ensure a steady demand which resulted in the averages improving by £815 from last year, at Stirling on Monday 7 May. Bidding peaked at 9,200gns, 15 lots traded at five thousand and above and 27 bulls sold to an average of £5,402 with and 82% clearance rate.

The sale leader was the September 2016-born Goldies Moonlight from the day’s top selling vendor Hamish Goldie, Ruthwell, Dumfriesshire, who sold four bulls averaging £8321.25 apiece. Moonlight is sired by the top performing 15,000gns Gretnahouse Heman, while his Dam Goldies Judy is from same female line as the Stirling February top priced female and champion Goldies Madame who is herself sired by the 34,000gns Perth supreme champion Goldies Uppermost. The successful bidder at 9,200gns was Colin Morrison from Lochboisdale, Isle of South Uist.

Goldies-Moonlight at 9200gns

Also in the money at 7,800gns for Mr Goldie was the yellow ticket winner and 18-month-old Goldies Moonbeam who caught the eye of Mr Macintyre, Southend, Argyll. He is the first son for sale by the homebred and retained Goldies Jetset and his dam Goldies Hazel, who goes back to the 12,000gns Goldies Elation has previously bred an 8000gns son.

Goldies Moonbeam at7800gns

Next to sell for Mr Goldie at 7,500gns was Goldies Mercedesbenz who stood second in his class at the pre-sale show. His dam Goldies Irene is a daughter of Blelack Blackberet and he is sired by the short gestation easy calving Goldies Formidable who has bred over 100 progeny into the herd and produced 23,000gns and 26,000gns sons. The November 2016-born Mercedesbenz was purchased by WSL Muir, Stenness, Orkney.

Goldies Michael, the final top price offering from Hamish Goldie, was snapped up for 7,200gns by the Aitken Bros, Linlithgow, West Lothian. Michael is a 19-month-old heifer’s calf by the aforementioned Gretnahouse Heman, his dam Goldies Jean goes back to Goldies Formidable.

Goldies Michael at 7200gns

The days reserve champion came from the JHC Campbell & Sons, Alnwick, Northumberland and is by Thrunton Gladiator who has sired more than 160 progeny into the herd. The June 2016-born Thrunton Maestro, who was purchased for 8,000gns by G Wilson and Son, Glenkindie, Aberdeenshire, is out of Thrunton Hirondelle who goes back to Thrunton Doubletop.

Thrunton-Maestro at 8000gns

Next from the same vendor was another Gladiator son. Thrunton Monty, a 19-month-old, whose dam Thrunton Amelia is sired by the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman, was purchased by Lour Farms, Ladenford, Angus, for 5,500gns.

Purchased for 7,500gns by the RSPB, Loch Gruinart Reserve, Isle of Islay, was the 11,000gns Woodpark Elgin son Spittalton Newton. Newton’s, a 15-month-old whose dam Elrick Idelle is a daughter of the 11,000gns Maerdy Dublin, was offered for sale by John Burnett and Sons, Blairdrummond, Stirlingshire.

Spittalton-Newton at 7500gns

The next highest price of 6,500gns was paid for Baillieston Mint, a yellow ticket winner from Ronnie Baillie, Toab, Orkney. Sired by the 25,000gns Stirling supreme champion Maerdy Hasse and out of Baillieston Gretel, a 15,000gns Maerdy Deiniol daughter, the May 2016-born Mint was knocked down to Glenpark Farms, Balerno, Midlothian.

Baillieston Mint at 6500gns

Two bulls then came under the hammer for 6,200gns, with the first being a 19-month-old class winner Spittalton Maverick from the aforementioned John Burnett and Sons. Out of the same dam as Newton but this time sired by the 31,000gns Carlisle reserve supreme champion Whitecliffe Highlight, he was purchased by C and C Adam, Cushnie, Aberdeenshire.

Spittalton Maverick at 6200gns

Matching the 6,200gns price tag was a November 2016-born entry from Peter and Allen Drysdale, Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Glenericht Manhatten, caught the eye of J and R Mitchell, Auchterarder, Perthshire, is out of the Blelack Digger-sired Glenericht Glamourgirl and by the 15,000gns Highland Show junior beef cattle interbreed champion Maerdy Hwre.

Glenericht Manhattenat 6200gns

T Dun and Sons, Heriot, Mid Lothian, were next to secure a Charolais bull, when they paid 6,000gns to take home the 20-month-old Kersknowe Messiah. The breeding here includes the 20,000gns Stirling supreme champion Inverlochy Fencer and the 13,000gns Perth reserve senior champion Elrick Solution daughter Kersknowe Alana. Messiah who was bred and exhibited by James Jeffrey, Kelso, Roxburghshire, also secured a yellow ticket at the pre-sale show.

A class winner from Neil Barclay, Insch, Aberdeenshire, was next up, also selling for 6,000gns. Harestone Macbeth, a 19-month-old who is sired by the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless and out of the Irish-bred Barracks Ulna, goes on to work in Halkirk, Caithness for Alan Mowat and Sons.

Harestone MacBeth at 6000gns

Mr Barclay went on to sell another top priced lot at 5,500gns, this time to W and A Strachan, Millfield, Aberdeenshire. Harestone Marsbar, a July 2016-born son of the 16,000gns Stirling supreme champion Thrunton Fearless and the 10,500gns Carlisle reserve supreme champion Gretnahouse Noel daughter Allanfauld Bandana.

Minutes earlier, Aitken Bros, Linlithgow, West Lothian, paid 5,800gns for another of the above-mentioned Ronnie Baillie’s lots. The 22-month-old and blue ticket winner Baillieston Morris, also sired by Maerdy Hasse is out of Baillieston Amy, who goes back to Haymount Royce.

Baillieston-Morris at 5800gns

Also hitting the 5,800gns price tag was the day’s champion from Jim Muirhead, Arbroath, Angus. Firhills Majestic, a 17-month-old who is by the 20,000gns Royal Welsh show supreme champion Maerdy Grenadier, is bred out of the 14,000gns Perth reserve senior champion Goldies Banker-sired Ugie Heidi, and was purchased by June Mackenzie, Boat-Of-Garten, Invernessshire.

Firhills Majestic at 5800gns

Averages: 27 bulls; £5,402
Auctioneers: United Auctions
Judge: Neil Blyth, Elwick, Hartlepool

There was a good trade for Charolais at Carlisle on Saturday 12 May where bidding peaked at 13,000gns, five lots traded at five figure sums and 60 bulls sold to an average of £5,384 – £226 up on the year – with a clearance rate of 80%.

Leading the bids at 13,000gns was a yellow ticket winner from Bill Bruce, Meigle, Perthshire, who also had the day’s leading average of £10,150 for his three bulls. The 13-month-old Balmyle Neptune, who is sired by the 28,000gns Perth supreme champion Brampton Nacodar and out of Balmyle Image, who goes back to the 22,000gns Balthayock Diplomat, was purchased by Will Palmer and Son, Truro, Cornwall.

Balmyle Neptune at 13,000gns

Mr Bruce’s other top price offering was the February 2017-born Balmyle Nugget who had been tapped out first in his class at the pre-sale show and took the fancy of Mark Ross who paid 11,000gns to take him home to Gorebridge, Midlothian. Nugget’s dam Balmyle Juliet is a daughter of the 20,000gns Perth reserve junior champion Balmyle Magnate, while his sire is the 31,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Whitecliffe Highlight.

Balmyle Nugget at 11,000gns

A trio of bulls sold for the next highest price of 10,000gns and the first was the class winner Elgin Marvel, a son of the 14,000gns Westcarse Houdini and the 15,000gns Royal Highland Show reserve supreme champion Edenhurst Cognac-sired Elgin Isobelle. The 18-month-old Marvel was purchased by AJ MacGregor, Lockerbie, Dumfries-shire and offered for sale by breeders Roy and Matthew Milne, Lhanbryde, Elgin.

Elgin Marvel at 10,000gns

The second to sell at the 10,000gns price tag was the reserve supreme and intermediate champion from Archie Macgregor (Allanfauld) Ltd, Kilsyth, Glasgow. Allanfauld Napoleon, who was awarded reserve champion at Stars of the Future Calf Show in November, is a January 2017-born son of the 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister and out of the home-bred Allanfauld Empress, a daughter of the French-bred Harestone Tyrol. DG McKenzie were the successful bidders and take him home to their Aberdeenshire-based unit.

Allanfauld Napoleon at 10,000gns

Charles McCombie, Huntly, Aberdeenshire, was the next to purchase a 10,000gns lot. Mornity Nimbus, a 13-month-old from Jack Nicoll Farms Limited, Alyth, Perthshire, is by the 14,000gns Westcarse Houdini and his dam is the Balnuith Universe-sired Mornity Dilly.

Mornity Nimbus at 10,000gns

The blue-ticket winner Caylers Merlin, was the first of three to be knocked down at 9,000gns. The Barker family, Caylers Charolais, Nuthampstead, Hertfordshire, were the consigners of the December 2016-born Merlin, whose breeding includes the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend and Caylers Juniper, a 10,000gns Thrunton Goldeneye daughter. J Nelson, Castle Douglas, Kirkcudbrightshire, was the successful bidder.

Caylers Merlin at 9,000gns

The Barker family had another successful day on the back of their solid trade at Welshpool a fortnight ago and this time traded five lots which averaged £5,775. Their other top priced lot was purchased by J Brown, Kirkgunzeon, Dumfries-shire for 6,000gns. Caylers Nelson, a 13-month-old is sired by the Irish-born Rosanne Jupiter and out of Caylers Gytha who goes back to Thrunton Dominator.

The next 9,000gns lot was presented by Jonathan Watson & Co, Bowsden, Northumberland, who also had a good day selling a total of three to average £6,755. Tweeddale Nenuphar who stood second in his class at the previous day’s show is out of the Tattenhall Impeccable daughter Lakenheath Ellen and is sired by the 14,000gns Stirling reserve junior champion Goldies Decider. The 16-month-old Nenuphar, was purchased by A Wallace and Co, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire.

Tweeddale Nenuphar at 9,000gns

Also making 9,000gns when he was knocked down to father and son Roger and Rodney Gregory, Truro, Cornwall was the supreme and junior champion from Boden & Davies Ltd, Mellor, Cheshire. Sportsmans Neptune, is a January 2017-born son of the 70,000gns Royal Welsh Show supreme champion Barnsford Ferny and Sportsmans Heartbeat, a 45,000gns Stirling supreme champion Maerdy Express daughter.

Sportsmans Neptune at 9,000gns

The youngest bull lot to sell was the reserve junior champion Silvermere Nolimit from Cornish breeder Michelle Hanson. Nolimit boasts an impressive pedigree being sired by the 16,000gns Royal Welsh Show reserve supreme male champion Anside Foreman, while his dam Rumsden Gamble was a Royal Cornwall Show and National Show supreme champion. This 13-month-old was knocked down to MPB Ashton, Welshpool, Powys for 8,500gns.

Silvermere Nolimit at 8,500gns

Earlier in the sale H Garside and Son, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, paid 7,500gns for Brogher Masterpiece, a November 2016-born, yellow ticket winner offered for sale by Trevor Phair, Bellanaleck, Co Fermanagh. Masterpiece is sired by the proven short gestation and easy calving Blelack Digger and out of the Lyonsdemesne Tzar-sired Brogher Fiona.

Brogher Masterpiece at 7,000gns

Also selling for 7,500gns, this time jointly purchased by Stirlingshire breeders, John Christie and Iain Millar, was the 17-month-old Gretnahouse Ming. A son of the 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox and Blelack Digger daughter Gretnahouse Iusilla, he was bred and exhibited by Alasdair Houston, Gretna Green, Dumfries-shire.

Two animals sold for the next highest price of 7,000gns and the first was another from Mr Houston. Gretnahouse Major, who is sired by the 17,000gns Balthayock Gladiator who also bred the 25,000gns Gretnahouse Lord, placed second in his class at the pre-sale show. His dam Gretnahouse Hayesse is a Wesley Equinox daughter and the November 2016-born Major was purchased by A Smellie, Peebles, Roxburghshire.

Gretnahouse Major at 7,000gns

Another to bring 7,000gns when chapped down to George and Sheena Coghill, Birsay, Orkney was Ian and Dorothy Goldie’s reserve senior champion and July 2016-born Solwayfirth Mailman from Cummertrees, Dumfries-shire. Solwayfirth Hannibal is the sire here and his dam Solwayfirth Foxy is by the aforementioned Dingle Hofmeister.

Solwayfirth Mailman at 7,000gns

The Goldies went on to sell three more and averaged £5,381 for the bunch. Their other top priced lot was the November 2016-born class winner Solwayfirth Milo, a son of home-bred couple Solwayfirth Javelin and Solwayfirth Jaylo, who was purchased by the Clints Farming Partnership, Heriot, Midlothian for 6,000gns.

Solwayfirth Milo at 6,000gns

Another from Northumberland breeders Jonathan and Jane Watson was next highest priced at 6,500gns. This time bred out of Blelack Digger daughter Tweeddale Icecream and sired by Balthayock Darcy, the 17-month-old Tweeddale Manwell goes home to work in Crocketford, Dumfries-shire, for the Glenkiln Farm Partnership.

The star of the female section was the 15-month-old Crookdake Nightingale from David and Sharon Miller, Waveton, Cumbria, who not only secured the top price of 4,000gns but was also crowned female champion. Nightingale is by the French-bred Vald’or-Ra and out of Crookdake Diamond, herself sired by the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion and Royal Highland show junior champion Goldies Unbeatable. She was knocked down to Pembrokeshire breeders DR and RL Bowen of Molleston who went on to purchase two more female lots.

Crookdake Nightingale at 4,000gns

Their next purchase at 2,900gns was the reserve female champion Holtstead Misshalfpenny, whose dam is the 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman daughter Holtstead Halfpenny and she is sired by Wesley Equinox. The 27-month-old Misshalfpenny was bred and consigned by Fred, June and Emma Andrews, Holmfirth, Yorkshire.

One of Hamish Goldie’s females, Goldies Melissa also caught the eye of the Bowen family. Balthayock Influence is the sire of this 24-month-old and her dam Goldies Angelina goes back to the above-mentioned Goldies Unbeatable.

Also amongst the top priced females at 3,000gns was another entry from the Watson family of Bowsden, Northumberland. Tweeddale Missholly, a 16-month-old by Tweeddale Justthejob and out of the Blelack Blackberet-sired Tweeddale Jemdeholly was purchased by Tom Story, Canonbie, Dumfries-shire.

Averages: 60 bulls £5,383.88; three served heifers £2572.50; 13 maiden heifers £2245.38

Auctioneers: Harrison and Hetherington Ltd.

Judge: Allen Drysdale

Interbreed Classes

Coolnaslee Nolan

Class 664 – Beef Recorded Bull, continental breed, born on or after 01/01/2017
2^nd – Jonathan Crawford – Coolnaslee Nolan ET – s. Balthayock Justice

Class 666 – Beef Recorded Heifer, continental breed, born on or after 01/06/2016
2^nd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Maiden – s. Goldies Icon

Breed & Female Champion Drumshane Mademoiselle

Beef Champion of Champions
3^rd – Brendan Feeney – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha

Reserve Champion Interbreed continental group of three

Reserve Champion Interbreed Beef Group of Three
Charolais – Newhouse Maximus, Bessiebell Millie ET & Bessiebell Molly

Champion Interbreed Team of Five
Charolais – Stranagone Jones, Brownhill Mo, Drumshane Mademoiselle, Bessiebell Millie ET & Bessiebell Molly

Charolais Classes

Supreme & Reserve Champions Drumshane Mademoiselle & Brownhill Mo

Breed Champion, Female Champion & Best Heifer from classes 593 – 595
Brendan Feeney – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha
Reserve Breed Champion, Reserve Female Champion & Reserve Best Heifer from classes 593 – 595
Martin Devine – Brownhill Mo – s. Maerdy Fiend

Junior Heifer Champion Brigadoon Nyoka with David Connolly & Reserve Junior Heifer Champion Gallion Niceone with Edgar Johnston

Junior Breed Champion & Junior Female Champion
WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Nyoka – s. Goldies Icon
Reserve Junior Female Champion
Edgar Johnston & Sons – Gallion Niceone – s. Alwent Goldbar

Male Champion, Junior Male Champion & Reserve Junior Breed Champion Coolnaslee Nolan with Reserve Male & Reserve Junior Male Champion Coolnaslee Norton

Male Champion, Junior Male Champion & Reserve Junior Breed Champion
Jonathan Crawford – Coolnaslee Nolan ET – s. Balthayock Justice
Reserve Male Champion & Reserve Junior Male Champion
Jonathan Crawford – Coolnaslee Norton – s. Ratoary Icebreaker

Junior Champion Brigadoon Nyoka & Reserve Coolnaslee Nolan ET

Best Cow or Cow Heifer
WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lolly – s. Brigadoon Himself
Reserve Best Cow or Cow Heifer
Patrick Gallagher – Rumsden Donegal – s. Corrie Alan

Best Bull Exhibited by a Northern Ireland Charolais Club Member
Jonathan Crawford – Coolnaslee Nolan ET – s. Balthayock Justice

Best Animal Exhibited by a Northern Ireland Charolais Club Member
Martin Devine – Brownhill Mo – s. Maerdy Fiend

Brownhill Mo – Reserve Supreme & Reserve Female Champion owned by Devine Bros

Best Homebred Animal Exhibited by a Northern Ireland Charolais Club Member
Martin Devine – Brownhill Mo – s. Maerdy Fiend

Class 591 – Cow, born before 01/01/2015, in calf or milk having had at least one calf
1^st – Patrick Gallagher – Rumsden Donegal – s. Corrie Alan

Brigadoon Lolly

Class 592 – Cow or Heifer, in milk or in calf born in 2015
1^st – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lolly – s. Brigadoon Himself
2^nd – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Lady – s. Brigadoon Himself

Class 593 – Heifer, born on or between 01/01/2016 – 30/06/2016
1^st – Brendan Feeney – Drumshane Mademoiselle – s. Inverlochy Gurkha
2^nd – Brendan Feeney – Bessiebell Millie ET – s. Newhouse Bigal
3^rd – Jonathan Crawford – Balbithan Millie – s. Loganbar Goran

Class 594 – Heifer, born on or between 01/07/2016 – 31/12/2016
1^st – Martin Devine – Brownhill Mo – s. Maerdy Fiend
2^nd – Jonathan Crawford – Coolnaslee Maid – s. Maerdy Fiend
3^rd – Leanne Titterington – Goldstar Matilda – s. Goldstar Echo

Brigadoon Nyoka – Junior Champion

Class 595 – Heifer, born on or after 01/01/2017
1^st – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Nyoka – s. Goldies Icon
2^nd – Edgar Johnston & Sons – Gallion Niceone – s. Alwent Goldbar
3^rd – Barney & Steven O’Kane – Gallaran Nicole – s. Rumsden Fawkes

Class 596 – Bull, born on or before 01/01/2017
1^st – Robert McWilliams – Stranagone Jones – s. Blelack Digger
2^nd – WD & JA Connolly – Newhouse Maximus – s. Maerdy Hearthrob

Brigadoon Notorious

Class 597 – Bull, born on or between 01/01/2017 – 31/03/2017
1^st – WD & JA Connolly – Brigadoon Notorious – s. Goldies Icon
2^nd – Robert McWilliams – Stranagone Numberone – s. Stranagone Jones

Coolnaslee Norton

Class 598 – Bull, born on or after 01/04/2017
1^st – Jonathan Crawford – Coolnaslee Nolan ET – s. Balthayock Justice
2^nd – Jonathan Crawford – Coolnaslee Norton – s. Ratoary Icebreaker
3^rd – Patrick Gallagher – Brigadoon Newman – s. Goldies Icon

Group of Three
1^st – Brendan Feeney
2^nd –  WD & JA Connolly
3^rd – Jonathan Crawford

The ring was packed to the rafters at Swatragh Mart, for the inaugural Northern Ireland Charolais club sale evening on Friday 1 June, where 11 bulls sold to an average of £2,711 and a clearance of 79%.

Supreme Champion Woodpark Magnum owned by Will Short. Pictured with handler Richie Devine Gary Henderson (judge) Louise Conn (Swatragh Mart)

Supreme Champion Woodpark Magnum owned by Will Short with handler Richie Devine

Leading the bull bids at 4,000gns was the pre-sale show supreme and male champion from Will Short, Beragh, Co Tyrone. Champion Woodpark Magnum, who is a 16-month-old son of Deeside Gulliver and the homebred 19,000gns Doune and Dunblane champion Corrie Alan-sired Woodpark Hattie, was purchased by Noel McIlwaine, Plumbridge, Co Tyrone.

Following on at 3,300gns was the 13,000gns Royal Highland Show class winner Allanfauld Hustler son Ramrad Norman whose dam Ramrad Hayley goes back to Kilbridefarm Stuart. This January 2017-born lad consigned by Douglas Morrow, Coleraine, Co Derry, caught the eye of Wilbert McLenaghan, Limavady, Co Derry.

Securing 2,900gns for breeder and exhibitors Michael and Gerard McShane, Articarvin, Co Tyrone, was the 17-month-old Altnaderog Nero. Nero, who is out of the southern Irish-bred dam Deeleview Isabelle, who goes back to Pirate, and is sired by the 12,000gns Maerdy Fiend went on to Ballynahinch, Co Down, to work for Mervin Murphy.

Next to go, this time consigned by Harold Stubbs and Alan Burleigh, Crummy, Co Fermanagh, was Melvin Nathan, who earlier in the day had been tapped out third in his class by judge Gary Henderson. This 15-month-old, sired by Whitecliffe James and out of the Dartonhall Givenchy daughter Melvin Janet, was knocked down sold for 2,700gns to JP and James McKeagney, Maghera, Co Derry.

Reserve Supreme Champion Lurgancot Narcos owned by Rory McKeever. Pictured with Eimear McGovern Gary Henderson (Judge) Louise Conn (Swatragh Mart)

Reserve Supreme Champion Lurgancot Narcos owned by Rory McKeever. Handler Eimear McGovern

The very next lot to sell was the reserve supreme and reserve male champion Lurgancot Narcos who was purchased by David Thompson, Goshaden, Co Derry at 2,600gns. Rory McKeever, Kilmore, Co Armagh was the consigner of the February 2017-born Narcos, who is bred out of the Cottage Devon-sired Lurgancot Helga and by the 25,000gns Stirling intermediate champion Inverlochy Ferdie.

Next in the trade stakes was a blue-ticket winner and 16-month-old from the aforementioned Will Short, who is again sired by Deeside Gulliver but this time out of Annagh Connie, another Corrie Alan daughter. Woodpark Maverick sold to Michael McNally, Portadown, Co Armagh for 2,400gns.

Just behind at 2,300gns was the class winner Fury Nevada. Sired by the Irish-bred Crossmolina Euro and bred out of the 18,000gns Perth intermediate champion Fury Action daughter Fury Diamond, the March 2017-born Nevada was bred and exhibited by Pat Hackett, Clogher, Co Tyrone and purchased by Alan Farlow, Garvagh, Co Derry.

Just a few lots earlier, a 16-month-old entry from Kenneth Veitch, Lisbellaw, Co Fermanagh, was sold in a 2,200gns deal to Eamon Caldwell, Claudy, Co Derry. Drumlone Nobleman, who placed second in his class at the pre-sale show is a son of the Southern Irish-bred Goldstar Gentleman and the Texan-sired Drumlone Isla.

A trio of bulls were knocked down at 2,000gns a piece with the first coming from Mervyn McKeown, Crossgar, Co Down. Royaldowns Mercedes is sired by Rowandale Dancer who has bred over 30 progeny into the herd since 2016, while his dam is Royaldowns Daisy, a Allanfauld Velocity daughter and the 19-month-old caught the eye of William McCann, Ballymena, Co Antrim.

Also commanding a 2,000gns bid and from the same home, but this time from Richard Fulton, Dungiven, Co Derry, was the very next lot, Royaldowns Mascott. The October 2016-born
Mascott boasts an impressive pedigree being sired by the proven easy calving and short gestation Blelack Digger, while his dam is Royaldowns Icemaiden, a daughter of the 55,000gns Royal Show supreme champion Thrunton Voldemort.

Matching the 2,000gns price tag was Robert McWilliams’ Stranagone Memorable from Maghera, Co Derry. The man behind the money on this 15,000gns Carlisle supreme champion Burradon Talisman son, was E Irwin, Coleraine, Co Derry. The 18-month-old Memorable’s dam Stranagone Jo, is a first-time calving daughter of Blelack Digger.

Top Price Cow & Calf Carnview Henrietta ET & Carnview Noah from James McGuigan – 4,160gns

Two sets of cows and calves were exhibited by James McGuigan, Maghera, Co Derry and the first set was purchased for a total of 4,160gns by Jonathan Crawford, Maghera, Co Derry. Mother, Carnview Henrietta ET, a five-year-old daughter of the 55,000gns Balmoral Interbreed champion Sportsmans Columbo and the 10,800gns Beechdale Uplift-sired Coolnaslee Antonia, was purchased along with her six-month-old bull calf Carnview Noah, who is sired by Whitecliffe James.

Mr McGuigan’s other cow and calf outfit were sold as a spilt lot. The six-year-old Carnview Honey ET, who is bred the same way as Henrietta, secured 1,200gns from Patsy Bradley, Maghera, Co Derry, and her six-month-old bull calf Carnview Nobby, who is sired by Davally Illusion, was purchased for 800gns by B McKeever, Kilmore, Co Armagh.

The top priced heifer at 1,365gns was the day’s reserve female champion Royaldowns Missy, another by the aforementioned Blelack Digger, she is out of Royaldowns Jenna who in turn is sired by the 25,000gns Stirling intermediate champion Inverlochy Ferdie. The 19-month-old Missy was bred and exhibited by Mervyn McKeown, Crossgar, Co Down and moves down to the South with purchaser Anthony Rabbett, Muff, Co Dongal.

Female Champion Royaldowns Millie with Mervyn McKeown

The only other heifer on offer was another from Mervyn McKeown who had been crowned female champion in the pre-sale show and this time purchased by Michael J Quinn, Dunamore for 1,200gns. Royaldowns Millie, is a June 2016-born daughter of Rowandale Dancer and the Omagh Show champion Roundhill Ohoh-sired Royaldowns Carolanhe.

Averages: 11 bulls £2,711, two cows and calves £3,234, two heifers £1,347
Auctioneers and Sponsors: Swatragh Livestock Market
Judge: Gary Henderson, Bushmills, Co Antrim

The Charolais Cattle Summer Sale on Friday 15 June at Carlisle saw a small show of only 3 bulls forward but did achieve a 100% clearance rate with top price of 3,600gns and an average of £2733.

Leading the sale was Messrs Campbell’s Thrunton Mercedes from Alnwick, Northumberland. This 2-year-old bull was sired by the 14,000gns Stirling junior champion Blelack Imperialist and out of Thrunton Heartbreaker, a Blelack Digger daughter and was purchased on the day by Messrs McClanachan from Dumfries.

Next in the price rankings was Richard and Carol Rettie’s November 2016-born bull Retties Magic. Sired by 12,000gns Carlisle reserve senior champion Wesley Equinox and out of the East Lothian-bred Redheughs Cumbria who goes back to the National Show reserve male champion Glencoe Vision, he was purchased by Messrs Duff from Wigton.

The final bull to sell was the 15-month-old Crookdake Naylor from Messrs Miller’s Waverton based herd.  This son of Hallbankgate Jackpot and the 25,000gns Perth supreme champion Goldies Unbeatable Crookdake Damaris, was purchased by Messrs Mounsey from Penrith.

Auctioneers: Harrison & Hetherington
Averages: 3 Bulls, £2733.33

Robert Young of the Mornity herd was delighted to inform us that he has sold the 15-month-old Mornity Nero, in a private deal to Elite Pedigree Genetics of Northern Ireland for an undisclosed five figure sum.

Robert said “Mornity Nero is the best bull bred by the herd to date, boasting great length, shape, confirmation and power together with great Breedplan figures. His dam Mornity Brechin was one of the best breeders in the herd.”

Nero boasts an impressive pedigree with his 14,000gns sire Westcarse Houdini’s line including the 10,000gns Mortimers Echo and the 28,000gns Farleycopse Turbo, while his dam’s pedigree includes Balthayock Upright, the renowned 30,000gns Dingle Hofmeister and multiple show champion Newhouse Count.

The Mornity Charolais herd, consisting 20 breeding females, was founded by Roberts father Graham Young and grandfather Jack Nicoll in 1990 and has produced a host of champions across their local Perthshire shows and most notably a Royal Highland Show reserve female champion. More recently, the introduction of jointly owned herd sire Houdini, together with a careful female breeding replacement policy, has seen bull sales take off over the past two years. Since February 2016 Houdini’s sons have sold to 10,000gns no less than three times and averaged an impressive £7,000 for 14 sold.

New owner Bartley Finnegan, who has purchased Mornity Nero for semen collection for his Elite Pedgree Genetics business commented, “I have been watching Westcarse Houdini sons being sold at Society sales and liked what I saw. This sire is producing modern easy calving Charolais bulls, which is what my customers are looking for. Houdini is consistently breeding quality progeny into both the Mornity and Elgin Charolais herds with over eighty calves on the ground showing he is producing the goods.

“I extensively researched Nero and his bloodline before going to look at him and choose him primarily for his Length, width and power. He comes from a very consistent breeding line, with generations of easy calving on the sire side and power and growth coming from his dam’s side. His Breedplan figure are impressive with a top 10% calving score of +11, while crucially there is no sacrifice on growth with his 200, 400 and 600 day weights scoring in the top 20% of the breed. He will be a great asset to my business and semen will be available throughout the UK mainland, Northern Ireland and for export to ROI”

Despite huge uncertainty in the agricultural sector, beef farmers must start to make decisions now in order to protect their business in what is likely to be a more volatile future marketplace.

This was the message from Peter Phythian, chief executive of the British Charolais Society, speaking at this year’s National Beef Association’s Beef Expo which was held on Friday May 25 at Halls Shrewsbury Livestock Auction Centre.

“Its time to focus on what we know and can do constructively to ensure the beef industry remains viable and successful in the future,” he said.

“That requires a focus on efficiencies –and choosing the right genetics that will maximise returns.

“As an industry we need to embrace data collation, value the significant gains from using EBV’s, Genomics and fully understand the impact of different breeds on business profitability.

“We recognise this new approach to future beef production, and as a Society work with producers to develop new ways in which to improve their business. As an example, we recently announced a change in our DNA testing which we believe will lead to greater efficiencies and improved breeding.

“We need to work smarter not harder. The Beef Expo attracts many national and international visitors – from every level within the industry and, as farmers, we need to instil confidence in, and promote, our ability to produce world class beef.

“This will require farmers to illustrate their business knowledge and success – in turn requiring the use of recognised systems and information.

“Just as an example, in Northern Ireland (Greenmount College), the progeny of an elite bull (Top 1% for 400-day growth, muscle and beef value) was compared to a bull with average EBVs. On average, the cattle were 30kg deadweight heavier at slaughter, and took 74 days less to reach slaughter weights. With current prices, this difference is worth over £200.

“Over a typical herd, that’s a significant income – and easily achieved by selecting the best bulls.

“We also need to keep up to date with research and new developments, it has been proven by the upturn in store and finished prices across the country that Charolais crosses achieve better performance and higher financial returns– so consider this in your bull selection,” he added.

“This applies to dairy farmers, looking to gain extra income from beef calves. Charolais cross calves can be a much needed, and important, income stream into a dairy business. Many dairy farmers now recognise the ‘modern’ Charolais offers an easy calving option with a valuable calf, and we’re seeing considerable interest from this sector for current breeding programmes.

“We work with many other industry organisations to improve farm profitability. This is very much at the core of the Society and I strongly believe that the Charolais breed has a bright and successful future.”

10 Charolais facts

• Charolais genetics arrived in Britain in 1959 smuggled in a thermos flask.
• The breed was known in the UK as Charolais until the British Charolais Cattle Society was officially established on the 27th July 1962.
• By the late 1960s, the industry realised that as few as 50 Charolais bulls would be required to service at any one time the entire number of MMB and private AI stations.
• The first ever Charolais bull calf to be born in Britain was recorded on 1 January 1967.
• Charolais was not introduced as a beef terminal sire on any significant commercial scale until the late 1960s.
• Charolais won the Burke Trophy, the Royal Show’s interbreed beef award for pairs, on a record 17 occasions.
• The price record 100,000gns Charolais bull, Vexour Garth was sold at Stirling in October 2012, by his breeder Jan Boomaars and was purchased by the Livestock Capital Partnership, USA.
• In 2011, Allanfauld Fizz, a 19-month-old purebred heifer was the first ever pedigree Charolais to secure the Royal Smithfield championship.
• The Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) recorded a 10%premium price for Charolais store cattle above other continental crosses in 2012.
• A breed record sale average of £7,653 was set at the February 2012 Stirling sale